Economics Department & William Hafton

William Hafton is charged with 5 counts of blackmail. Originally he refuses to say anything, but once FreshCorp’s crimes are exposed publicly he offers to testify against the international giant in exchange for a reduced sentence. This offer is refused. Hafton’s notepad, and further documents recovered from his office, are used as evidence instead. FreshCorp receives a significant fine and is banned from competing for Seldonan government contracts. Frederick-Chase Management goes bankrupt after a major exodus of investors. And William Hafton is found guilty on all counts and sentenced to 15 years of prison without parole.

The ex-Head of the Economics Department whiles away his time designing sudokus and submitting them to the Gazette under the alternating pseudonyms of Mr Plum and Guy Purple. Upon the end of his incarceration, he flees Seldona quietly, forgotten and near-destitute.

With Hafton gone and several of its journalists moving to other departments, Economics needs new management. Sora is chosen at first because there are no other options. Yet after only a few weeks, she proves herself a capable and valuable leader, rallying the remnants of the department to publish a series of strong articles on the economic fallout of Hafton’s manipulations.